10 Foods in Your Fridge That Should Be Tossed Right Now

We understand—it’s hard to let go of items that *might* still be good. But unfortunately, most food does have an expiration date, and depending on when you bought them, it's likely time to toss some things. Here’s a list of the top 10 kitchen items you should double-check for freshness:

Top Foods to Discard and Refresh Your Pantry

1. Baking Soda

Does baking soda ever go bad? Well, sort of. Once opened, baking soda starts to lose its effectiveness after about 6 months. While it can still be handy for laundry or to clear a clogged sink, if you're planning to bake soda bread, you'll want to grab a fresh box.

2. Baking Powder

Baking powder is no different. Are your biscuits not rising the way you expected? It could be because your leavening agent is past its prime. The USDA recommends replacing it every 3 months after opening. I know mine has definitely been around longer than that.

3. Condiments

This one’s a bit tricky. Some condiments can last much longer when refrigerated, saving you the trouble of buying more. But it’s always a good idea to check those expiration dates and be honest with yourself. How old is that ketchup really? Is the mustard crusty enough to vote? And while you're at it, give that hot sauce a quick check too.

4. Jam or Jelly

Certain jars of jam may seem to last forever, but it’s always wise to check by the end of the year. The high sugar or acid content combined with cooler temperatures can help preserve jelly, but once it’s been exposed to things like peanut butter, bacteria can grow faster. Unopened jars can last up to a year in a cool pantry, but opened jars should be discarded after 6 months in the fridge.

5. Opened Broth Cartons

Since most broth cartons are opaque, it can be tough to tell if the liquid has gone bad. Instead of letting it spoil in the container, try freezing leftover broth in an ice cube tray. You'll have perfectly portioned broth cubes ready for future use—and future you will be thankful.

6. Soft Cheeses

This one might seem obvious, but how many times have you stared at a partially used cream cheese package and thought, 'Just a little longer'? Soft cheeses have a short shelf life—only 1 to 2 weeks after opening. So, it’s time to say goodbye to that half-eaten Brie from last weekend’s party.

7. Seasonal Drinks

Post-holiday fridge checks aren’t the most exciting, but they’re a must. Even ultra-pasteurized, non-alcoholic eggnog should be tossed after 14 days of being opened. The same goes for drinks from the warmer months, like leftover sangria.

8. Salad Greens

The past few weeks have been a blur, and that weekly container of salad greens got shoved to the back of the fridge behind all the meal prep, desserts, and drinks. Whether they're wilted, slimy, or mushy, it’s time to let them go. For longer-lasting greens, check out our handy storage tips here.

9. Mystery Items

We’ve all been there—staring at a Tupperware container, completely unsure of what’s inside. Open it up and—surprise! A furry, smelly mystery that no one wants to remember. If it’s obviously gone bad, just toss it. And if cleaning out moldy containers isn’t your thing, consider investing in a cute, multi-purpose set that can go from fridge to freezer to oven.

10. Leftovers

Keep in mind that leftovers should ideally be eaten within a week, no matter how tasty they were or how many times you reheat them. Store them properly in shallow containers within two hours of cooking—refrigerated leftovers will last up to five days, while frozen leftovers can stay good for up to six months.